‘Halloween 3’ Comes in 3D, Without Rob Zombie

Rob Zombie’s sequel to the 2007 “Halloween,” the aptly named “H2: Halloween 2,” premiered in select theaters this weekend and, as some critics had already estimated, failed to perform as producers and the movie studio would have wanted. While it did well enough to warrant a sequel, ticket sales were too insignificant to justify sticking to the same formula, which is why the third film in the rebooted franchise will drop in the summer of 2010 in 3D and without director Zombie, as LA Times can confirm.

As fans of the genre, and especially of this particular franchise, must know, Rob Zombie took a lot of heat for tampering with the Mike Myers story in the first place. Most saw his first “Halloween” film as an unwelcome take on a franchise that had, until then, stood the test of time and, according to the latest reviews, this year’s sequel is no different, no matter the promises Zombie made a while back on how he would make all “Halloween” fans happy again. In this context, it’s no huge surprise that the fanbase is mostly happy with Zombie’s replacement on the third film.

“‘Halloween 2’ may not have won the box office this weekend, but Weinstein Co. is taking a lesson from the movie that did as it prepares a sequel for next summer. The independent studio’s co-Chairman Bob Weinstein said today that the 3-D sequel, titled, appropriately enough, ‘Halloween 3D,’ is in development.” the aforementioned publication informs.

Replacing Zombie is also a confirmed fact, even if Weinstein makes no mention of what led to the decision. However, speculation in the specialized media has it that the studio is going for something more commercially viable, since it has been Zombie’s too artistic vision that damaged the film’s chances at the box-office.

“Weinstein said Rob Zombie, who directed ‘Halloween 2’ and 2007’s reboot of the 31-year-old horror series, won’t return for ‘Halloween 3-D.’ He said the studio is in negotiations with a new director, whom he declined to name, who has experience in horror and has a ‘different take’ on the franchise.” the LA Times further says. Rob Zombie has not made any comment on this yet, but, knowing him, he will probably reach out to fans soon – keep an eye on this space for when he does.